Graham Allen MP welcomed the Government's proposals to increase workers' holiday entitlement from 20 days per year to 28.
New DTI research has shown that up to six million workers would benefit from an extra eight days holiday each year under the plans. Some employers currently include the eight bank holidays as part of workers' 20-day annual leave entitlement (pro-rata for part-timers).
The move would protect vulnerable workers and allow reputable companies to compete on a more level playing field with those companies that give employees only the minimum of holiday entitlement.
The DTI is launching a second public consultation on the implementation of the changes. Statutory annual leave entitlement would be increased in two stages, rising from 20 to 24 days on 1st October 2007, and from 24 to 28 days on 1st October 2008.
Graham said: "Most companies already recognise that good holiday provision makes good business sense. Holiday entitlement can be a key factor in recruiting and retaining staff. Holidays are also important for productivity as they help minimise sick leave and keep people motivated and refreshed.
"We've worked closely with business and have wanted to make sure that they have time to prepare for the changes. People work hard and they deserve a decent break. We want to make sure everyone gets the holiday they are entitled to."
Michael Leahy, the General Secretary of the union Community said: “Community members throughout the UK will be delighted that the Government is honouring its' manifesto commitment to ensure that unscrupulous employers will not be able to count public holidays as part of an employees four weeks paid holiday leave. This move means that by the end of 2008 nearly seven million British employees will have an extra eight days holiday a year. As we approach important elections in 2007, this move shows the difference between having a Labour Government in power rather than a Tory one.”
